United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury.

Lauren LaRoche, age 24, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 13, 2013 for Assaulting, Resisting and Impeding a Federal Officer. LaRoche appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 14, 2013 and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 8 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both; 3 years of supervised release and an additional 2 years of supervised release upon revocation. Restitution and a $100 special assessment may also be ordered. The charge is merely an accusation, and LaRoche is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case. LaRoche was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. A trial date has not been set.